Salem is known to many as the “Witch City” that rests along Massachusetts’ northern coastline. Like many Massachusetts towns and locations, Salem’s rich history has transcended time. Whether it be through its physical preservation of one of the last standing concentrations of pre-1900 domestic architecture in the U.S. or through its historical reenactments and various museums and attractions, modern day Salem echoes its past. This past is one steeped in intrigue and mystery — garnering interest from tourists and history buffs alike.
While you can visit Salem outside of the Halloween season, its connection to Halloween is one of its biggest draws due to the history of the Salem witch trials. Witchcraft in Salem remains embedded in its culture through various occult shop offerings and a police’s emblem featuring a witch silhouette. Shops are even filled with witch-themed items, from hats to broomsticks.
During the spookiest time of the year, the intrigue of this culture is amplified as people can be met with excessive wait times and long lines wrapping around block corners. Alongside massive crowd migrations and walking tours, many experiences Salem hosts are akin to that of an amusement park. The allure of Salem’s history has produced overwhelming crowds of tourists during the Halloween season that have been exponentially growing since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 from mid-September through October, Salem saw a whopping 1.3 millon visitors, and is set to surpass that number hitting one million this year in a single week alone.
In October, Salem also hosts its annual Haunted Happenings festival celebrating fall and the Halloween season in New England. This includes artisan vendors and family-friendly events, along with more spooky festivities like night markets, ghost tours, haunted houses and its Grand Parade.
For those interested, the perception of Salem as a tourist trap in October should not dissuade one from visiting — Salem this time of year is a site to see. With the beautiful red, orange and yellow foliage decorating streets, one can stroll through Chestnut Street in Salem’s historical McIntire District and take in all of the sites and fresh crisp air free of large crowds. And don’t forget to look out for Halloween decorations, which combine with the district’s intricate historic architecture with its spectacle full of fall feelings and spooky ambience.
The atmosphere of the bustling, crowd-filled parts of Salem during Halloween can also be just as worthwhile. Even with the crowds passing through, walking down Essex Street into the downtown marketplace is a vibrant and entertaining experience that captures the true essence of Halloween. From performers and passersby dressed in extravagant costumes interacting with (and sometimes scaring) the crowd to people milling around in Halloween-themed outfits (including their pets), Salem truly encapsulates the spirit of the season.
